Wales U20s braced for physical test

Wales Under 20 head coach Phil Davies is expecting a tough, physical challenge from all three Pool A opponents over the next eight days - starting with Samoa this evening (8pm UK time).

Following tonight's opening clash at the Club Atletico Estudiantes, Parana, the side, led by Dragons prop Dan Watchurst, face Fiji on Wednesday at the same venue and New Zealand next Sunday in Santa Fe.

Davies said, "All the Pools are difficult, but ours is certainly going to be an especially physical challenge with the two Pacific Island sides and New Zealand.

"However, we enjoy the physical side of the game and if we are to progress to the semi-finals we are going to have to meet that challenge right from the off.

"Playing these teams provides a fantastic opportunity for our players and you only have to look at the likes of Sam Warburton, Dan Biggar and Leigh Halfpenny - who represented Wales Under 20 two years ago and are now playing for the senior Wales side - to realise what an important stepping stone this tournament is for the development of players.

"Last year in Japan we reached sixth place and we are certainly aiming to beat that this time around."

Wales reached their first semi-final since 2013 in the opening round of this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie recaps on what proved to be an eventful tournament

Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series